Excuse me, I'm Stopping!

elena pov

I left the house feeling confused. Why would Evan care what I did with Brent on our date? Does he want to control my life that badly?

Brent and I texted each other all day. I feel dizzy every time he sends me a message. Maybe my life will finally get better now.

My happy thoughts were gone when I heard my mother's car stop in the driveway. I wonder what his agenda is today. Slap me again for no reason or insult me for being a bad ugly princess? Or both?

He didn't talk to me for a few hours, which I think is fine.

"What the fuck?" he came out of the room screaming. So, it started.

"Ap...What's the matter, ma'am?" I asked. It was always something different, but I still am

I wonder why I got beaten this time.

He threw a shirt at me. I looked at it in confusion because I saw nothing wrong with it.

"Why is this ripped?" he roared and pointed to a small hole in it.

Oh naw... I must have forgotten to wash it by hand. My vision is not the best right now, so I didn't even realize it was one of his wide silk shirts labeled hand wash only.

"Sorry mom, that's not going to happen..." I stopped talking as he hit me hard on the cheek, almost knocking my glasses off my face. I pressed my cheek with my palm and waited for him to stop sore.

"Based on useless trash. Can't even wash the clothes properly" he murmured softly and left. I didn't say anything. Hearing my voice would only make her even more angry and I didn't want that.

This is how it is every day. I can't remember the last time he looked at me with kindness or spoke to me in a soft voice. I must have been very young when it happened.

I got a text on my phone that bothered my mind.

What you're going to wear in

the dates? Potato sack?, Evan texted me. I sighed. Why is he so glued

on my date?

I don't know. Maybe, answer. Usually I'm not a smart guy, but I'm not in the mood for his mind games.

Get out and wait for me near the apple tree in five minutes, Evan replied.

God, what does he want now? Did I somehow manage to anger him with my text? Why did I make everyone angry at me today?

Only one way to find out, I thought and headed to the garden where the apple tree was.

Evan was already there, leaning against the tree. He had a black bag in his hand. He looked at me lazily as I walked towards him.

"You've been a long time," he sneered.

"Elena, are you okay? I'm really sorry if I gave you the wrong idea. I want to hang out with you as a friend but .. You understand, don't you?" said Brent.

"I. yes." I said, holding back my tears.

"Good, I'll see you at school. See you later" he said, and we hung up.

Mother's right. I'm too ugly to get a man.

My face was planted on a pillow and sobbed. My phone rang and I saw it with hope. Has Brent changed his mind?

Meet me at the park, NOW! Evan sent me a message.

I thought about ignoring it but it might make things worse, so I sighed and prepared to go there.

Saturday night finally arrived. I put on my new shirt and checked myself in the mirror. The dress was very fitting, and it was very funny, but....

thinking sadly, I was too thin,

and my chest is too flat, I hope

I have a body like some

girls in my school. And this

the glasses made things worse.I put them

my hair came down and put it straight away

it was in a messy bun. I have a way

too much hair and that too

curly.

Everything's gonna be fine because Brent's still asking me out! I've been looking forward to our date all day. Surprisingly enough, Evan hasn't called me all day. Maybe he was planning to leave me alone today. Thank you Lord. But when I looked at myself in the mirror, I wondered if she would like me in this dress. It was a gift from him anyway.

Not that I need his approval...

My phone started ringing, and my heart was pounding when I saw who was calling. Brent!

"M. sorry. Why are you calling me?" I hesitated.

He threw the bag at me and I caught him. "What's that?" I looked at him confused.

"Open up and look," he grinned.

I opened the bag and took out a black t-shirt.

"This is for your date. I've seen the kind of clothes you used to wear, and it makes me want to throw up. You want him to do the same?" he asked me seriously.

"T.. no. But why are you.

helping me?" my many.

"Just a little gift to be my errand boy. Don't read too much. Now go," he waved his hand indifferently.

I walked back home while gripping the dress on my chest. Why am I so happy now?

"Hey," I said shyly.

"Elena, hi!" said Brent.

"Hey. I'm ready to go whenever you want!" I said enthusiastically. I hope I don't sound too excited.

"Um...hey this is gonna sound awkward but, you know Megan Lowe from art class, right?" She asked.

I remember Megan. She has long brown hair and blue eyes. And she's very pretty.

"Yes? What about her?" I asked.

"Well, I had a long crush on him and I tried to ask him out, but he had a girlfriend back then. But this morning I knew they broke up and I asked him again and he said yes!" brent said excitedly.

He said something else, but I couldn't hear the rest. Tears started to flow down my cheeks. I should have predicted this. Why would anyone be interested in someone like me? I should have known Brent wouldn't date me in the first place.